Cargo restraining device

ABSTRACT

A cargo restraining device including two rails mounted in a cargo storage area. Mounted on the rails are two U-shaped structures, each of which includes two arms and a crossbar. Attached between the two U shaped structures are two elongate bars. The U-shaped structures may be rotationally positioned using rotation adjustable clamps such that the cross bars are positioned against two sides of a cargo container. The elongate bars may be positioned against two other sides of the cargo, holding it in place.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/571,429, filed May 14, 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present device relates to articles to secure cargo during transport.

BACKGROUND ART

Securing cargo during transport is needed to prevent damage or even loss of the cargo during transport. In addition, it is possible to damage the transport vehicle if the cargo tips and falls into a cargo carrying area. In addition, if the cargo area is open, such as in the back of a pick up truck, the unsecured cargo can fall into a roadway, possibly causing accidents or traffic delay.

One solution to this problem is to use ropes or cables to secure a load. However, securing the cargo is then time consuming, requires ropes or cables to be available, and may be difficult to secure for those not proficient in tying knots. In addition for a large, tall item (such as a refrigerator) in the back of a truck bed, it is difficult with ropes or cables to secure an relatively heavy item with a high center of gravity into a truck bed. It is also very difficult with ropes or cables to secure a load that is below the level of the bed. For example, in pickup trucks, the tie locations are at the corners of the bed, near the top edge. Ropes tied between these tie locations would be at the level of the truck bed, and are little use for securing items below this level.

A number of attachment devices are available that are designed to secure specific items. For example, bicycle or motorcycle racks are available that mount onto a truck bed and allow fixing the tire by positioning the wheel within a confining track and securing a bar over the rim of the wheel. Such devices are limited to allowing transport of a specific item.

An alternative device that is able to provide a simple means for securing cargo would be useful.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cargo restraining device has been developed that includes two rails mounted onto the sides of a cargo area, for example, the sides of the bed of a pickup truck. Mounted on each rail are rotation adjustable clamps, with a front and a rear clamp attached to each of the rails. The clamps allow attachments of arms such that the arms can be positioned in three ways. First, location of the arm held by the clamp may be adjusted. Second, the rotational position of the arm may be adjusted. Third the clamp may be moved on the rail moving the arm along the rail. The front clamp on each rail will hold a front arm on each rail. These two arms (the two front arms held on the first and second rail by a clamp) are linked by a cross bar extending between the arms to form a U-shaped structure. Likewise, the back arms are also mounted on the back clamps on each rail and are also connected by a cross bar to form a back U-shaped retaining structure. Two longitudinal bars are clamped onto the crossbars of each U-shaped retaining structure such that the longitudinal bars may be selectively positioned on the crossbars.

To secure cargo, first the longitudinal bars could be removed leaving the two (front and rear) U-shaped retaining structures. Then the arms and crossbars that form the U-shaped structure would be positioned such that at least one and usually both crossbars were proximate to the sides of cargo being transported. For example, the crossbars would be positioned proximate to the front and back sides of a crate to be transported. The elongate bars would then be adjusted such that they are positioned against the sides of the cargo (e.g. the left and right sides of a crate being transported). In this manner the cargo of various sizes and shapes could be secured.

The present device is able to retain cargo in a transport vehicle by adjusting to a range of different positions to securely hold cargo in place. Such a device could be used in trucks, vans, trailers, airplanes, railroad cars, carts or any other cargo transport. The following illustrations describe an embodiment of the device used with a pickup truck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a pickup truck outfitted with an embodiment of the cargo restraining device.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the arm adjustment clamp, arm and rail as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 a is a side view of an embodiment of the cargo restraining device as used with cargo that is lower than the edge of a pickup truck bed.

FIG. 3 b is a side view of an embodiment of the cargo restraining device as used with cargo that is taller than the bed of a pickup truck.

FIG. 3 c is a side view of an embodiment of the cargo restraining device as used with cargo that is both taller and longer than the bed of a pickup truck.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rotation adjustable clamp.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the slide adjustable clamp for joining together two elongate sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present device is able to retain cargo in a transport vehicle by adjusting to a range of different positions to securely hold cargo in place. Such a device could be used in trucks, vans, trailers, airplanes, railroad cars, carts or any other cargo transport. The following illustrations describe an embodiment of the device used with a pickup truck.

With reference to FIG. 1, a pickup truck 10 includes a bed area 12, defined by a tail gate 14, and front wall 16 and side walls 18 a, 18 b. Mounted to the top of side walls 18 a, 18 b are rails 4 a, 4 b. The rails 4 a, 4 b are mounted (e.g., bolted) on the inside of the upper edge of the sidewalls of the truck bed.

With reference to FIG. 6, the rail 50, may be secured to rail mount bars 51 a, 51 b by bolts 53 and bolts 57 a, 57 b respectively. Attached to mount bars 51 a, 51 b are brackets 54 a, 54 b by bolts 56. Brackets 54 a, 54 b are secured to bars 54 a, 54 b. The combination of bracket and fitting may be secured onto a mount opening on the side wall of a pickup truck, thereby securing the rail to the truck.

Alternatively the elongate rail sections are secured by bolts and nuts along the length to the upper edge of the side walls. The rails could also be clamped into place or secured by other means.

Mounted on rails 4 a, 4 b are a number of rotation adjustable clamps. On first side rail 4 a are mounted front rotation adjustable clamp 3 a and rear rotation adjustable clamp 3 b. On second side rail 4 b are mounted front rotation adjustable clamp 3 c and rear rotation adjustable clamp 3 d.

With reference to FIG. 4, each rotation adjustable clamp includes a tube section 20. Lever handle 22 is joined to said tube section 20 such that locking down handle 22 constricts tube section 20. When an elongate tube section (such as one of the arms of the device shown in FIG. 1) is placed through tube section 20, depressing lever handle 22 constricts tube section 20. The constricted tube section 20 holds a elongate tube section firmly in place.

Tube section 20 and lever handle 22 are fixedly mounted on wheel 24. Wheel 24 is mounted on an axle that extends through mount 32. Mount 32 is then mounted on one of the rails shown in FIG. 7. Also extending through the mount is a spring plunger 26. Spring plunger 26 extends through mount 32, such that end 28 of spring plunger 26 extends through one of the holes 30 on wheel 24. This spring plunger 26 may be pulled back, the wheel rotated and the end 28 inserted through a different hole on the edge of wheel 24. In this manner the arm held by this rotation adjustable clamp may be both rotated into a selected angular position, and have a length adjustment to adjust the length of the arm extending from the clamp to a distal end.

With reference to FIG. 2, the adjustment of the rotation adjustable clamp 3 is illustrated. An arm 2 is secured in the clamp. The clamp is mounted on rail 4. Clamp 3 holds the arm 2 by a releasable lever such that the arm 2 may be positioned in the directions of arrows A. In addition, the arms may be rotated in the direction of arrows B by clamp 3. This allows clamp 3 to selectively position the arms and the arm ends relative to the cargo in a vehicle cargo holding area. In addition, clamp 3 may be selectively positioned on rail 4.

Returning to FIG. 1, held in each of rotation adjustable clamps 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, and 3 d are arms 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d. As explained in conjunction with FIG. 4, arms 2 a-2 d, may be both selectively secured along a length, and selectively rotated by clamps 3 a-3 d to a selected angular position.

Spanning arms 2 a and 2 c is a crossbar 1 a. Slide adjustable clamp 9 a, 9 c secures the arms 2 a, 2 c respectively to crossbar 1 a.

With respect to FIG. 5, a slide adjustable clamp is shown. This clamp includes a tube section 40 and gripping jaws 42, 44. Actuation of lever handle 46 both constricts tube section 40 and closes together jaws 42, 44. In this manner elongate tube sections 41 and 43 may be securely held by jaws 42, 44 and tube section 40 respectively.

Returning to FIG. 1, the arms 2 a, 2 c, and cross bar 1 a joined by clamp 9 a, 9 c form a first U-shaped structure for securing cargo. In a similar manner, the arms 2 b, 2 d and cross bar 1 b joined by clamps 9 b, 9 d form a second U-shaped structure located behind the first structure. Each of these structures can be adjusted in a number of ways, including rotational adjustment of the arms, positioning of the arms on the rotating clamps, and locating the crossbar at a position on the length of the arm. Regardless of the position of the crossbar, for the present disclosure any combination of the two arms and a crossbar wall be considered a U-shaped structure.

Extending between crossbars 1 a, and 1 b are elongate (longitudinal) bars 5 a, 5 b, secured by clamps 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 6 d. The design of the clamps allows for quick and simplified removal of the longitudinal bars. The longitudinal bars 5 a, 5 b include two telescoping members that expand to the full length of the truck bed. The telescoping members in one embodiment are two tubes, with a narrower diameter tube inside a larger diameter tube. For example, a 32 mm outer diameter tube having a 2.5 mm thick wall may be used with an 26 mm outer diameter inner tube. One location on each of the inner and outer tubes is held by a clamp, securing the elongate bar into place.

Using a device having the disclosed configuration, practically any cargo that can fit into the cargo area may be secured. With reference to FIG. 3 a, a cargo container 70 is held by the cargo restraining device. The front and back of cargo 70 are held by cross bars 1 a, 1 b of the device. The device has been adjusted such that these sidebars are pressed against the sides of cargo 70. Longitudinal bar 5 a is also moved into a position such that it is against one of the sides of the cargo 70. This positioning of the crossbars is effected by rotation and/or extension of the arms 2 a, 2 b into a position such that the bars are resting against the front and back sides of the cargo 70. Longitudinal bar 5 is then positioned against one of the other sides of the crate, while a second longitudinal bar (not shown) rests against another side, such that four elongate bars retain the cargo in a selected position. The bars are all adjustably clamped into place, so positioning of the bars is relatively simple. The two arms 2 a, 2 b are rotated into place, positioning the cross bars to brace two sides of the cargo. The longitudinal bar is then secured into place. It is relatively simple using the clamp of FIG. 5, to detach the bar, adjust the arm, and reattach the bar.

In a similar manner, FIG. 3B shows the device securing cargo 72, which extends above the edges of cargo holding area 12. Again arms 2 a, 2 b are positioned such that cross bars 1 a, 1 b are positioned in front of and behind the front and back of cargo 72. Longitudinal bar 5 restricts one side of the cargo from moving.

FIG. 1 c illustrates another oversize cargo 74 held in a cargo holding area 12. In this instance, arms 2 a and 2 b are adjusted so that crossbars 1 a, 1 b are in front of the front and over the top of cargo 74 respectively. Arm 2 a is sufficiently long that it is able to extend beyond tailgate 14. Longitudinal bar 5 extends at an angle from crossbar 1 b to crossbar 1 a, securing a corner of cargo 74.

It is preferred that the device be of sturdy construction and durable. The rails, arms, crossbars, and longitudinal bars would all be made of steel. If desired, the steel could be chrome plated, painted or otherwise designed to enhance the appearance of the device and make it corrosion resistant. It is also possible to make some or all components of lighter weight materials, but this is presently not preferred. The arms may be elongate bars with a 32 mm outer diameter and a wall thickness of 2.5 mm. The device preferably is sufficiently rigid and sturdy such that it does not bend or twist during transport or usage. The crossbars and/or the longitudinal bars may include padding such that transported cargo is not damaged. For example, if the cargo is a motorcycle, the longitudinal bars could be positioned below the handle bars of the motorcycle, and extend along the sides of the motorcycle. Foam padding or other slightly deformable padding on the longitudinal bars would prevent the bar from scratching the paint or chrome of the motorcycle.

The design of this cargo constraint device is modular. Additional parts can be added, substituted or removed from a basic system, depending on the needs of the user. For example, more than two U-shaped retaining structures may be used on a cargo restraining device. This may be useful in a cargo compartment which is substantially longer than a truck bed. Additional elongate bars may be used. For example, if the cargo is motorcycles or bicycles, additional elongate bars secured with clamps between the crossbars could allow additional bicycles or motorcycles to be secured in the cargo area of the vehicle.

A number of variants of the cargo restraining systems are contemplated. These include:

1. Overhead Storage

With respect to FIG. 8, a load-bearing version of the device is shown. With fairly minor adjustments, the device can be adapted to be not just a cargo carrying device, but also an overhead rack. In FIG. 8, arms 2 a and 2 b are positioned to extend from a pickup truck bed. As shown, the arms are vertical. Crossbar 1 extends between arms 2 a, 2 b. A modified clamp 110 replaces the clamp of FIG. 4. In this type of clamp, two joined constricting tube sections are used. Arm section 112 includes a plurality of through holes 114. The tubular clamp section also includes a through hole. A pin 116 may be fitted through the hole on the clamp, through a hole on each side of the arm tube and then be secured by a cotter pin or other similar securing means. The crossbar 1 may be secured by pin 118 in a similar manner. This modification of the clamp allows the U-shaped structure to bear an overhead load without the clamps slipping. The lumber 115 may be held between two crossbars, as would be the case in a welded overhead rack. One crossbar is shown in FIG. 8.

This idea may be modified to adapt to transport of other items. In FIG. 9, the cargo retaining device is shown holding a boat on the overhead racks. The arm 2 and crossbar 1 are attached by a clamp 110 as shown in FIG. 8. The elongate bars 5 a, 5 b flank the sides of the boat 125 and extend between the crossbars. A resilient cushion 122 on crossbar 1 prevents damage to the surface of the boat that rests on the cushion. A strap 120 secures the boat 125 to the elongate bars 5 a, 5 b.

With respect to FIG. 10, a mount for retaining the end of an arm in a mount could be used for adapting the device to carrying overhead loads. A footing 130 mounted on the truck bed would receive an end of one arm. A plurality of holes 132 on mounting 130 would receive a pin which would be placed through the holes on the mounting, through holes spaced along the end of the arm, and back through the mounting, where the pin would be secured by a nut, cotter pin, or other means. This would prevent the arm from slipping or changing position to a new angular position. In addition, this would transfer the overhead load to the bed of the truck, preventing stress on the rail and on the mounting of the angular adjustment clamps. The combination of the footing and the modified clamp should allow for adaptation of the cargo restraining device to a very secure overhead rack.

2. Tent

The cargo restraining device could also be modified to act as a frame for turning the bed of a truck onto a tented area. If the arms were raised to a position above the bed of the truck, a sheet of material could be draped over the cross bars such that the exposed sides of the truck were covered. This material could be secured to the tubes by a simple resilient clamp that would flex fit over a short section of an arm or elongate bar to retain the material.

3. Motorized Device

One of skill in the art would be able to adapt the present invention to an automatic device by adding a motor at location 32 in FIG. 4. That was able to automatically advance the position of the rotationally adjustable clamp.

4. Locking Device

It would also be fairly simple to adapt the present device such that the arms could be locked into place such that the cargo in the storage bed could be secured. Lever handles 21, 22 could be fitted with lock means, such as a hole to receive a padlock, which would be secured onto the clamp. It would also be possible to manufacture a hole in the arms to which lever handles 21, 22 are attached such that a padlock bar or other lock bar could pass through each arm and a hole 30 on wheel 24, securing both the handles and the wheel. 

1. A device comprising: a first side rail; a second side rail coextensive with and parallel to the first rail; first and second slideably and rotationally adjustable U-shaped retaining structures mounted at corresponding locations on said first and second side rails; and a first and a second adjustably positionable elongate bars, each attached to said first and second side rail such that the elongated bars extend between said first and said second U-shaped retaining structures.
 2. The device of claim 1, further including a deformable padding covering a section of the elongated bars between attachment locations to the U-shaped retaining structure.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein each U-shaped retaining structure is comprised of two arms and a cross bar connecting the two arms.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein each crossbar is adjustably positionable along said arms.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein said cross bar is attached to said arms by mechanically securable clamps.
 6. The device of claim 4, further including a mount into which into which one and of each arm may be secured.
 7. The device of claim 3, wherein each arm may be selectively positioned along a length of said rail.
 8. The device of claim 3, wherein each arm may be selectively positioned on a rotationally adjustable clamp along a length of said arm.
 9. A cargo restraining device comprising: a first side rail; a second side rail; a front first rail arm; a rear first rail arm; a front second rail arm; a rear second rail arm; a front first rotatable clamp adjustably attaching the front first arm to the first side rail such that the first front arm can be adjustably secured along a front first arm length and adjustably rotated; a rear first rotatable clamp adjustably attaching the rear first arm to the first side rail such that the rear first arm can be adjustably secured along an arm rear first arm length and adjustably rotated; a front second rotatable clamp adjustably attaching the front second arm to the second side rail such that the front second arm can be adjustably secured along a front second arm length and adjustably rotated; a back second rail clamp adjustably attaching the front first arm such that it can be adjustably secured along its length and adjustably rotated; a front crossbar adjustably attached between said front first rail arm and said front second rail arm; a rear crossbar adjustably attached between said first rear arm and a second rear arm; a first elongate bar adjustably attached between said front crossbar and said rear cross bar; and a second elongate bar adjustably attached between said front crossbar and said rear crossbar.
 10. The device of claim 5, further including a deformable padding covering a section of said first elongate bar and said second elongate bar between the attachment locations to the U-shaped retaining structure. 